Chapter 321: Chapter 313: Persuading Them to Stay

Mrs. Gu Sr. was an astute person. Although her son was talking to her, she noticed that he kept glancing at Sister Ning, appearing rather distracted.

When she thought about her son saying he wanted to give up the title and go to that house, Mrs. Gu Sr.’s smile faded slightly, and she wasn’t in the mood to continue the conversation. She had planned to speak to Sister Ning about it but feared it might upset her, thus she didn’t bring it up.

Now seeing that her son cared about Sister Ning, Mrs. Gu Sr. felt both happy and worried, uncertain of what to do.

Their strong feelings for each other were something she was pleased to see.

But if her eldest son gave up the title and the Marquis Mansion for Sister Ning, what was she supposed to do? She realized in her heart that even if her son really intended to do so, it wouldn’t be now, but after she was gone.

So, there was no point in talking to her son now or asking for a promise. Once she’s gone, her son would do as he pleases anyway.

Mrs. Gu Sr. sighed inwardly. It was better to pretend not to know than to say unnecessary things and have her son and Sister Ning resent her.

After exchanging a few more words with her son and hearing that he had not yet eaten, Mrs. Gu Sr. simply sent him to the East Mansion, saying, “Now that Mrs. Dong has just given birth and Sister Hui is busy there, they cannot attend to you. The two places are separated by just a wall, so why not go and eat at the East Mansion with Sister Ning?”

Gu Yifeng responded with a smile, and Lin Youning also bowed. Only then did they take their leave.

Mrs. Gu Sr. waved her hand, thinking she was quite a considerate mother-in-law.

Upon leaving Shi’an Garden, Lin Youning couldn’t help but quietly complain, “There are so many affairs in the mansion, is it okay for Big Brother to go to the East Mansion?”

She knew her aunt cared for her.

But having Big Brother also go over there, would the Dong Mansion have even more objections?

“It’s fine, if anything happens, have them send me a message.” Gu Yifeng clasped his hands behind his back. Noticing a figure standing at the garden’s corner gate, his gaze wavered slightly but he didn’t stop walking.

Lin Youning, realizing it wasn’t her place to know more, looked up and saw Aunt He standing at the garden’s corner gate. “Is Aunt He looking for Big Brother? I’ll head back to the mansion first then.”

Gu Yifeng said, “No need.”

Was she supposed to just stand by and watch?

Lin Youning thought to herself. She couldn’t do that, especially with Aunt He’s icy glare now fixated on her. She didn’t want to endure such coldness here.

Lin Youning had made up her mind: when Big Brother spoke with Aunt He, she would leave, not believing he would stop her in front of Aunt He.

“You stay here and wait for me,” Gu Yifeng suddenly said.

Lin Youning’s expression froze, feeling as if Big Brother could read her mind.

Lin Youning saw Big Brother smile at her, gave him a shy look without speaking, but obediently slowed her pace, trailing behind as Gu Yifeng strode quickly to the garden gate.

Aunt He hurriedly stepped forward to greet him, bowing, “Marquis.”

“What is it?”

“I wanted to ask when the eldest young master will return; after all, it’s been nearly two years since he left the Capital.” Aunt He dared not lift her head, yet she could sense the Marquis’s displeasure.

Gu Yifeng frowned, “That’s not something you should inquire about.”

Without glancing at her again, he only called out to Sister Ning, who then stepped quickly forward when she heard him.

Walking side by side, Aunt He watched them leave but could do nothing.

Uncertain of what the eldest young master did wrong, it pained her that the Marquis insisted on sending him to Jiangxi Camp, said to be the harshest place, meant for those with terrible reputations. The eldest young master had already gained the Eldest Prince’s favor, so why would the Marquis do such a thing?

Though not too close, Lin Youning overheard their conversation. She disliked Gu Chaoxuan, as he had wronged her in her past life and still harbored such thoughts in this life, making her detest him even more.

The two walked back to the East Mansion, and once they entered the yard, Gu Yifeng pulled Sister Ning’s hand, saying, “Is there something on your mind?”

“Not really, just that after returning to the Capital, I don’t know what to do for the moment.” Lin Youning had indeed pondered over this.

Gu Yifeng laughed, “Aren’t you close with the second young lady of the Dong Mansion? She’s married now, making visits even more convenient. Simply send over a note when the time comes.”

Lin Youning shook her head; they had argued with Mrs. Dong Sr. that morning. If she contacted Dong Boyun now and got her involved, she would feel guilty.

Gu Yifeng raised an eyebrow, “Because of the Dong Mansion?”

Lin Youning nodded, not hiding it from him, then relayed the morning’s events. She couldn’t help but laugh and say, “But Big Brother spoils me.”

“Is that what it was?” Gu Yifeng smiled, a face full of indulgence. “If you feel there are too many concerns in the Capital, we can stay for a few years before moving to the border.”

Lin Youning nodded, understanding why Big Brother wanted to wait a few years, “Actually, anywhere is fine.”

Yet every time she faced Mrs. Dong, she always felt guilt.

Lin Youning knew this was something she had to face; when she made her choice, she’d already accepted these responsibilities.

“You haven’t eaten well over there, have you? Let someone prepare some appetizing dishes, but don’t eat too much; it’s bad for your stomach.” Gu Yifeng noticed her dazed expression, knowing this topic weighed on her. Seeing no one around, he whispered, “If you like children, we can put in some effort and have one, shall we?”

Mrs. Dong had given birth, and Gu Yifeng had been worried about Sister Ning, not daring to bring this topic up in front of her. But observing her for a while, seeing she seemed fine, he cautiously broached the subject.

Lin Youning nodded, not wanting Big Brother to worry. Half-jokingly, she said, “I’ve already thought of a name.”

If it’s a boy, he’d be called Brother Zong.

Though she knew that even if she named him so, Brother Zong wouldn’t return, Lin Youning couldn’t help but hope every time she thought of children that Brother Zong would still be her son.

Gu Yifeng now truly felt relieved, “Alright, then. We’ll do as you say and name him as you wish.”

Laughing and chatting the whole way back to the main house, Shanmoi had already received word from Li Si’s side and had gone to the kitchen to prepare. After washing up, the meal was already set.

Lin Youning was indeed a bit hungry, not understanding why, after eating so much at Aunt’s, she was already hungry again in no time. When the food was served, her appetite only increased.

She realized she ate more than Big Brother. Glancing around and seeing no one noticed, Lin Youning felt she might be worrying too much and quietly sighed in relief.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep